Partner Spotlights: Joe Burkhardt, J&L Burkhardt, LLC.

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Like most of his classmates, Joe Burkhardt worked hard and saved his graduation money to buy something special he had always wanted.  But unlike most of the other kids, Joe used his money as a down payment to launch his dream of farming, purchasing a round baler from Swiderski Equipment in Thorp.  That dream has since turned into reality for Joe, who now crops 1200 acres of grain and alfalfa while also operating a custom harvesting business.

Joe began farming with his parents right after high school, milking cows and cropping the same land Joe’s parents purchased back in 1970 and built their farm on, from the ground up.  Joe also has 3 sisters that helped on the farm while growing up.  The family suffered a traumatic loss in October 1987 when their barn burnt down, but the Thorp community rallied to support them and the barn was rebuilt by late November. In 1999, Joe and his dad Leon formed J&L Burkhardt LLC, and have farmed together ever since. By 2009, the farm transitioned from milking cows to focusing on cash grain and custom harvesting work. The farm today employs 2-4 additional full time employees.

Joe appreciates the dependability of the people at Swiderski Equipment and especially appreciates the service he receives from them.  Joe and Leon have been loyal customers since that first round baler purchase and over the years, have purchased 3 large square balers, 8 round balers, 3 discbines and 2 combines.

Joe and his wife, Jennifer are proudly raising their 3 children on the home farm, which they purchased from Joe’s parents about 7 years ago.  All 3 kids, Landen who is 10, Lainey, 8, and one-year old Elie already have a love for farming instilled in them.  The family often rides with Joe in the combine on those late nights during harvest.

Family time is important to the Burkhardts, and Joe and his family enjoy tractor pulling.  They often can be found working on pulling tractors in their free time or competing in pulls.  Joe hopes his children will carry on the tradition of farming and Burkhardt Harvesting for years to come.

Published by Swiderski Equipment

Swiderski Equipment Inc. is one of Wisconsin’s premier and long-established agriculture and construction equipment dealerships. Founded by a man who saw a need in his local farming community over 90 years ago, Swiderski Equipment continues to serve our customers through a diverse offering of agriculture, construction, and consumer equipment and products. Our five stores combine to operate one of the most valued networks of agriculture and construction sales, parts, and service in Wisconsin. From our humble beginnings, training and selling workhorses from the Swiderski family homestead in 1925, our business has evolved as the needs of our customers change. Our team of precision farming technology experts leads the way in providing cutting-edge technology for increasing efficiency and profitability for our customers. Swiderski Equipment employees take great pride in understanding the needs of our customers, providing them with the solutions they need to be more productive and lucrative in their own businesses. While technology flourishes and equipment grows larger, our focus continues to be providing the best service possible to our customers by not only meeting their needs but exceeding their expectations. From the large acreage operator to small farmers, contractors, landowners, or small businesses, Swiderski Equipment Inc. is your partner on the job!

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